Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which characteristic is NOT associated with psychopathy according to Cleckley's definitions?
Which characteristic is NOT associated with psychopathy according to Cleckley's definitions?
How does psychopathy primarily differ from sociopathy?
How does psychopathy primarily differ from sociopathy?
What is one of the diagnostic criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)?
What is one of the diagnostic criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)?
Which of the following features is associated with psychopathy?
Which of the following features is associated with psychopathy?
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Which statement about psychopathy is inaccurate?
Which statement about psychopathy is inaccurate?
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What is a common misconception about the traits of psychopaths compared to general criminals?
What is a common misconception about the traits of psychopaths compared to general criminals?
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Which of the following is TRUE regarding the relationship between psychopathy and criminality?
Which of the following is TRUE regarding the relationship between psychopathy and criminality?
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Which feature is characteristic of both psychopathy and sociopathy?
Which feature is characteristic of both psychopathy and sociopathy?
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What is one key characteristic of successful psychopaths known as 'the puppetmaster'?
What is one key characteristic of successful psychopaths known as 'the puppetmaster'?
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Which factor is associated with the early identification of psychopathy in children?
Which factor is associated with the early identification of psychopathy in children?
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What ultimately happens to most treatment methods for psychopaths according to research?
What ultimately happens to most treatment methods for psychopaths according to research?
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In the personal/hot empathy trolley problem, what distinguishes a psychopath's decision-making approach?
In the personal/hot empathy trolley problem, what distinguishes a psychopath's decision-making approach?
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What is one of the features that makes psycho-social dynamics between a psychopath and their targets particularly troubling?
What is one of the features that makes psycho-social dynamics between a psychopath and their targets particularly troubling?
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What did Phineas Gage's accident demonstrate regarding psychopathy?
What did Phineas Gage's accident demonstrate regarding psychopathy?
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How do psychopaths generally respond to punishment compared to the general population?
How do psychopaths generally respond to punishment compared to the general population?
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What is an approach suggested for treating psychopaths that differs from traditional empathy-based methods?
What is an approach suggested for treating psychopaths that differs from traditional empathy-based methods?
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What is a common outcome of psychopathic manipulation in interpersonal relationships?
What is a common outcome of psychopathic manipulation in interpersonal relationships?
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Which aspect is included in the Affective facet of the Interpersonal/Affective factor in psychopathy?
Which aspect is included in the Affective facet of the Interpersonal/Affective factor in psychopathy?
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What characterizes the primary subtype of psychopathy?
What characterizes the primary subtype of psychopathy?
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Which factor represents antisocial traits in the Psychopathy Checklist Revised?
Which factor represents antisocial traits in the Psychopathy Checklist Revised?
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What is a common misconception about psychopathic traits?
What is a common misconception about psychopathic traits?
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Which of the following is true about the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale?
Which of the following is true about the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale?
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Which psychopathy subtype is often referred to as sociopath?
Which psychopathy subtype is often referred to as sociopath?
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What factor is hypothesized to be influenced by both nature and nurture in the development of psychopathy?
What factor is hypothesized to be influenced by both nature and nurture in the development of psychopathy?
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What has research suggested about the relationship between psychopathy and violent crime?
What has research suggested about the relationship between psychopathy and violent crime?
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In the context of sentencing outcomes, how does the label 'psychopath' impact criminal cases?
In the context of sentencing outcomes, how does the label 'psychopath' impact criminal cases?
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What is the 'beautiful is good' effect associated with psychopathy?
What is the 'beautiful is good' effect associated with psychopathy?
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Which statement is true regarding the ability of psychopaths to discern right from wrong?
Which statement is true regarding the ability of psychopaths to discern right from wrong?
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What is meant by 'theory of selective impulsivity' related to psychopathy?
What is meant by 'theory of selective impulsivity' related to psychopathy?
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What differentiates secondary psychopathy from primary psychopathy?
What differentiates secondary psychopathy from primary psychopathy?
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Study Notes
Psychopathy Overview
- Psychopathy is a cluster of psychological, affective, interpersonal, biological, neurological, and physiological features.
- Characterized by a lack of anxiety and arousal, and a tendency toward sadism.
- Psychopaths are often intraspecies predators, preying on others.
- They differ significantly from average criminals.
Cleckley's Characteristics of Psychopathy
- Cleckley (1941) developed a foundational understanding of psychopathy based on clinical observations.
- Superficial charm and intelligence are often present.
- Absence of delusions and irrational thinking is a key trait.
- They lack "nervousness" or psychoneurotic tendencies.
- Unreliability, untruthfulness, and insincerity are common characteristics.
- Lack of remorse or shame, along with inadequately motivated antisocial behaviour, are significant factors.
- Poor judgment, failure to learn from experience, and pathological egocentricity are also observed.
- There is a general poverty of affective responses.
- Psychopaths lack insight and are unresponsive in general interpersonal relations.
- Their behaviour with alcohol or without can be fantastic or uninviting at times.
- Attempts at suicide are rare.
- Their sex life is often impersonal, trivial, and poorly integrated.
- They typically fail to follow any life plan.
Psychopathy vs. Sociopathy
- Psychopathy and sociopathy are related but distinct.
- Psychopathy affects 1-3% of the general population, while sociopathy (antisocial personality disorder) affects approximately 4-6%.
- Antisocial behavior in psychopathy, like sociopathy, can perpetuate an impulsive lifestyle.
Diagnostic Criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD)
- Persistent pattern of violating the rights of others since age 15.
- Demonstrated by one of seven subfeatures.
- Individuals must be at least 18 years old.
- Conduct disorder is present before age 15.
- Antisocial behavior is not due to schizophrenia or bipolar disorder.
Identifying Psychopaths
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Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R): 2-factor model with subfacets.
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Factor 1: Interpersonal/Affective
- Facet 1: Interpersonal: glibness/superficial charm, grandiose self-worth, pathological lying, conning/manipulative.
- Facet 2: Affective: lack of remorse/guilt, shallow affect, callous/lack of empathy, failure to accept responsibility.
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Factor 2: Social Deviance
- Facet 3: Lifestyle: need for stimulation/proneness to boredom, parasitic lifestyle, lack of realistic goals, impulsivity, irresponsibility.
- Facet 4: Antisocial: poor behavioral controls, early behavioral problems, juvenile delinquency, revocation of release, criminal versatility.
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Factor 1: Interpersonal/Affective
- Self-Report Psychopathy Scales or Psychopathic Personality Inventory Revised are used for non-clinical populations.
- Beware of online psychopathy tests. "Dark Triad" tests are unreliable.
Subtypes of Psychopathy
- Primary: Heritable deficit, less responsive to treatment, and an inability to experience anxiety.
- Secondary: Environmentally acquired disturbance, or consequences where emotions are suppressed.
- Classifications of subtypes: Classic-idiopathic, manipulative, macho, and pseudopsychopath (or sociopath).
Mythbusting Psychopathy
- Psychopathy is not solely genetic.
- Psychopathic traits are not static, and change is possible.
- Psychopaths are not always violent.
Psychopaths in Court
- The label "psychopath" can correlate with longer and more severe sentences.
- There is greater endorsement for the death penalty in the US.
Psychopathic Killers
- Organized serial killers are more likely to be psychopaths.
- Killing is often instrumental and goal-driven.
- They can control impulsivity in high-stakes situations.
Classification of "Successful Psychopaths"
- The Con: Manipulates others for personal gain.
- The Bully: Uses aggression to control others.
- The Puppetmaster: Uses others to advance their interests.
Interpersonal Relationships and Psychopathy
- Psychopathy is linked to partner abuse and violence.
- Manipulation, parasitic behaviors, and gaslighting are often present.
- Psychopaths are adept at identifying vulnerable individuals.
Psychopathy and its origins
- Often associated with conduct disorder and callous-unemotional traits in childhood.
- Damage to the frontal lobe can contribute to the development of psychopathic traits.
- Lower activity in brain regions related to emotion and anxiety.
Treatment of Psychopathy
- There is no cure for psychopathy.
- Treatments may, in some cases, backfire.
- Focus on instrumental gain or the subject’s values to help with treatment is a more effective approach.
Research on Psychopathy
- Duping Delight: Lying can be exciting for psychopaths.
- Psychopathy on a continuum: 15-25% of the Canadian prison population is characterized by psychopathy; committing 80% of the crime.
- The Trolley Problem: Psychopaths exhibit a lack of empathy with decisions regarding abstract circumstances.
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Description
Explore the detailed characteristics of psychopathy as defined by Cleckley, including traits such as superficial charm and lack of remorse. Understand the unique features that differentiate psychopaths from average criminals and their psychological profiles. This quiz will provide insights into the complex nature of psychopathy and its impact on behavior.
